Outbound occupancy remains 50-60% below inbound as safety clearances continue, PAA says no emergency
LAHORE:
Air operations disrupted by the war in the Middle East have been partially restored. After 25 days, flight operations to and from Doha have also resumed. Flights arriving from Doha are not sent back immediately and depart only after an assessment of the security situation.
Flights arriving from countries in the Middle East have a higher number of passengers, while outgoing flights have less than 50% occupancy.
According to airport sources, the suspension of air operations caused by the Iran-US war is now being gradually lifted. Following the resumption of flights from Fujairah, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai, limited flights have now also started from Doha, with flights arriving at both Karachi and Lahore. These flights do not depart immediately and will only depart after receiving security clearance.
Outbound flights currently have 50% to 60% fewer passengers than inbound ones.
Read more: International departures from Pakistan drop by half
A total of 18 flights from various cities in the Middle East arrived in Pakistan. As security clearance continues to be granted, the scope of flight operations will gradually increase.
Airport sources state that all facilities for aircraft landing and take-off are provided at all international airports in Pakistan and the airlines have been given facilities to handle any emergency. Airlines from the Middle East, along with other countries, have also been given parking facilities for their aircraft in emergency situations.
Read more: Phantom Flight: Iran War Creates 9,100km Round Trips to Nowhere
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) remains in constant touch with all domestic and foreign airlines and communications continue daily in the morning and evening, and sometimes late into the night, regarding the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, a PAA spokesman stated that air operations at all international airports are continuing as normal, all facilities are provided for flights arriving from and departing to the Middle East and other countries, and there is no emergency of any kind.
